What action might the nurse take to assess for dislodgement of a patient's CVAD?

To assess for dislodgement of a patient's Central Venous Access Device (CVAD), palpating the skin for coiling is a key action because it helps to determine if the catheter has moved from its original position. Palpation allows the nurse to feel for any unusual kinks, loops, or shifts in the catheter that may indicate that it has become dislodged or is not properly positioned in the vein.

This physical examination is crucial because dislodgement can lead to complications such as improper drug administration, decreased effectiveness of the treatment, or potential injury to the vein. When the catheter is properly positioned, it should remain straight and firm against the skin. Conversely, if palpation reveals coiling or abnormal positioning, it suggests that the catheter may not be in the correct location.

Other actions, while important for overall patient assessment, do not directly indicate catheter position or dislodgement. Checking the heart rate and taking blood pressure can provide information on the patient's overall hemodynamic status but does not specifically address the state of the CVAD. Asking the patient about discomfort may offer subjective information but is not as direct or reliable in assessing for dislodgement compared to a physical assessment like palpation.